How to Talk to Your Dog about Murder - by Emily Soderberg

Book Synopsis

Dogs are better behaved than people in this new cozy mystery where a pet behaviorist finds herself the prime suspect in an upscale murder, perfect for fans of Eva Gates and Victoria Gilbert.

Nikki Jackson-Ramanathan is struggling to get her pet behaviorist business off the ground, making ends meet as a dog walker while keeping her eyes peeled for greener pastures. An appointment in a rich suburb of Saint Louis seems to be her ticket to success. The wealthy Mrs. Van Meer wants Nikki to help the family's old hound dog who is grieving the loss of his owner. But then Mrs. Van Meer turns up dead.

With a multitude of suspects like the sketchy landscaper, the judgy housekeeper, and the rest of Mrs. Van Meer's money-obsessed family members, Nikki's happy to sit back and let the police solve the crime. Until she learns that Mrs. Van Meer's will leaves Nikki in charge of a sizable amount of money and the police start dogging her every step.

Life would be a lot easier if she just had to deal with the animals, but Nikki resolves to catch the real culprit and convince the cops they're barking up the wrong tree.

Review Quotes

Praise for How to Talk to Your Dog About Murder
"This engaging cast of quirky characters launches a terrific story that is hopefully the beginning of a series."
--First Clue

"The dog lover in me couldn't wait to read this, and the writer in me was impressed by the craftsmanship of this delightful debut. Two thumbs and four paws up . . . Emily Soderberg is a writer to watch. I look forward to reading the next installment in this fun series and to falling in love with a new canine character the way I fell in love with aging hound dog Reginald."
--Laura Jensen Walker, bestselling Agatha-nominated author of Murder Most Sweet

"Soderberg has fashioned an appealing heroine in dog whisperer Nikki, whose invitation to analyze a grieving pet whose owner recently died turns into a challenging mystery when murder rears its head. A cast of characters with hidden secrets provide an intriguing array of suspects, including--to her surprise--Nikki herself."
--Nicholas George, author of A Walk Through England mysteries

"Everyone is going to be talking about How to Talk to Your Dog about Murder, a charming new mystery that features a dog behaviorist whose dedication to her newest client drags her into intrigue and mayhem. Clever and filled with heart, this one will keep you turning the pages until way too late at night."
--Deborah Blake, author of Furbidden Fatality

"When she's accused of killing her client, Nikki Jackson-Ramanathan isn't going to roll over. Lest she end up in prison, she must dig up clues to prove her innocence. Thankfully, she's got help from her husband and best friend. How to Talk to Your Dog About Murder is a clever cozy that readers will devour like a dog given a biscuit."
--Diane Kelly, author of the House Flipper Cozy Mystery Series

"How to Talk to Your Dog about Murder is a fun, engaging novel with quirky characters and a mystery that will keep you guessing. Soderberg nails the dynamics of a dog behaviorist and the lovable hound's dysfunctional family. The story is crafted with a charming voice that had me turning the pages, unable to stop. For fans of dogs, a great whodunit, and well-rounded characters, How to Talk to your Dog about Murder is a must-read."
--Kitt Crowe, author of A Sweet Fiction Bookshop Mystery series

About the Author

Emily Soderberg has always loved reading and writing mysteries. She was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, only moving away for college. She graduated with honors from Washington University in St. Louis, where she studied religious studies and German, subjects that have come in handy exactly twice in her professional career. She's lived in St. Louis ever since, because moving seems like a huge hassle. These days, she spends her free time up in the air, as a trapeze and aerial hoop coach. She might be tempted to run off and join the circus, but her cats prefer a more settled lifestyle.